For the Chargers, making a smart choice with the 25th pick in May's NFL Draft will go a long way in determining whether they return to the playoffs next season.

The talent is better than a year ago, in large part due to a record 98 underclassmen opting to leave at least one season of NCAA eligibility on the table. That total shatters last year's mark of 73, after 65 declared in 2012 and 56 in 2011. Of the 73 underclassmen who entered last year's draft, 21 went unselected. Food for thought.

Here is my updated 2014 NFL Mock Draft including the first three rounds:

ROUND ONE

1) Houston (2-14) — Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville, Jr.

Bridgewater's accuracy, underrated athleticism and experience in a pro-style scheme make him a better fit here, especially with immediate results expected in today's NFL. Would it shock me to see Jadeveon Clowney chosen here, and the Texans address the quarterback position in the second round? No. Top needs: QB, OT, S.

This pick belongs to the Rams because of the gift that keeps on giving: The Robert Griffin trade. In a perfect world, I know the Rams would love to trade this pick, move down a few spots while stockpiling picks, and still land Matthews. He'd be worthy of the top overall pick in most drafts. Top needs: S, WR, OL.

3) Jacksonville (4-12) — Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M, So.

Coach Gus Bradley has experience with short, charismatic quarterbacks, and I'm sure owner Shahid Kahn would appreciate adding a showman like Johnny Football. Manziel's arm strength and accuracy improved during his sophomore season, and the eyes in the back of his head still maintain 20/20 vision. Here's a solid breakdown of the top four QB prospects.Top needs: QB, DE, OT.

4) Cleveland (4-12) — Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson, Jr.

Watkins was arguably the best wide receiver in the nation last fall, finishing fifth nationally in receiving yards (1,464), 11th in receptions (101) and tied for 10th in touchdowns (12). Combining him with Josh Gordon could be lethal, and make their new quarterback's job that much easier. Top needs: QB, RB, OG.

5) Oakland (4-12) — Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, Jr.

Facing Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers twice a season makes this a no-brainer. Even the Raiders can't screw this up. If Clowney isn't here, a quarterback is likely the pick. Also, if he does fall this far, I could see the Falcons paying a king's ransom to move up one spot. Top needs: QB, WR, OT.

6) Atlanta (4-12) — Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo, Sr.

Mack has dominated college football for years, racking up all-time records of 16 forced fumbles and 75 tackles for a loss. The U-T's Matt Calkins wrote a great piece on him here. Top needs: DE, OL, TE.

What do you think?

Who do you think the Bolts need to pick up in the draft? What holes in the lineup do you want to see filled? Share your opinions in the comments below.

7) Tampa Bay (4-12) — Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA, Sr.

Barr followed up his breakout junior season with 20 tackles-for-loss, the fifth-highest total in the nation. He added 10 sacks, 43 solo tackles, five forced fumbles and four fumbles recovered. He's still raw, though, considering he's only played the position for two seasons. He's not as polished as Mack. Top needs: DE, WR, OT.

8) Minnesota (5-10-1) — Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida, So.

New offensive coordinator Norv Turner has the credentials to develop someone like Bortles. Obviously, a high upside pick, but his skills are still maturing. Top needs: QB, DE, OG.

9) Buffalo (6-10) — Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn, So.

Robinson was a powerhouse left tackle for the Tigers and has the physical blocking style to succeed on the right side as well. He's devastating in the run game. Top needs: OT, S, DE.

10) Detroit (7-9) — Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan St., Sr.

Dennard is a tough, experienced playmaker with above-average size and great instincts when the ball is in the air. He plays smart, and is coming off a phenomenal season for the Spartans. Top needs: CB, WR, S.

11) Tennessee (7-9) — Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama, Jr.

One of the bigger decisions the Titans will face this offseason is whether to part ways with veteran right tackle David Stewart. Kouandjio, a consensus All-American, started at left tackle for Alabama for the last two years and played a key role in the Crimson Tide’s run to the 2011 and 2012 Bowl Championship Series titles. Top needs: S, DE, OT.

12) N.Y. Giants (7-9) — C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama, Sr.

Giants co-owner John Mara said addressing the offensive line was the Giants No. 1 priority this off-season, but they shouldn't forget about their poor defense as well. Mosley's athleticism and instincts are off the charts, and he could have easily been a first round draft pick last season. I know they haven't drafted a linebacker in the first round since Carl Banks, but I just don't see how they pass on a talent like Mosley if he's here. Top needs: LB, CB, OL.

13) St. Louis (7-9) — HaHa Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama, Jr.

The Rams need to find an upgrade next to last year's draft pick T.J. McDonald. Clinton-Dix is the unquestioned top safety in this draft. Top needs: S, WR, OL.

14) Chicago (8-8) — Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, Jr.

The Bears' defensive line has been ravaged by injuries this season and they need to add some youth to the position. A monster in the middle like Nix could have positive ripple effects for the entire defense (See: Lotulelei, Star). Much like line-mate Stephon Tuitt, Nix underperformed this season, but very few lineman possess his combination of athleticism and power. He's a Top 10 talent. Top needs: DL, S, OG, C.

15) Pittsburgh (8-8) — Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida St., Jr.

The Steelers have one of the oldest defenses in the league, so an infusion of talented youth is needed this offseason. Jernigan was dominant in the national championship. Top needs: OT, DL, DB.

16) Baltimore (8-8) — Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M, So.

Ozzie Newsome will always take the best available player, but it would be tough to pass on a talented wideout to complement Torrey Smith. Evans is 6-foot-5 and weighs 225 pounds, so he can win any jump ball situation and pull in bad throws, which will make Joe Flacco happy. Top needs: WR, OT, CB.

17) Dallas (8-8) — Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri, Jr.

The Cowboys defense is horrific, so any defensive player is an upgrade here. Ealy makes sense for both the 4-3 and 3-4. He is built well for an edge rusher and wins with his quick first step. He's just scratching the surface of his ability and should continue to improve with his pass rush moves. Top needs: DE, CB, S.

Note:Baltimore and Dallas will flip a coin at the NFL Combine to determine who gets picks 16 and 17. Baltimore is at No. 16 here because the two teams are in alphabetical order.

18) N.Y. Jets (8-8) — Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina, Jr.

Before people get too low on Geno Smith, they should ask themselves: Who is this team’s go-to guy right now? Ebron is the definition. He is a mismatch for defenses because of his ability to stretch the field with his speed and then box out defenders and adjust to the ball in the air with his excellent body control. Top needs: WR, OG, CB.

19) Miami (8-8) — Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan, Sr.

The Dolphins offensive line was in a state of disarray last season. To truly move forward, it has to be addressed in the off-season. Lewan is a big, nasty blocker who can overpower defenders in the run game. There are some technical flaws with his footwork, but if he gets it figured out, he could be a 10-year starter at left tackle. Top needs: OT, OG, RB.

20) Arizona (10-6) — Zack Martin, OG/OT, Notre Dame, Sr.

Martin, who lined up at left tackle for the Irish, projects best at guard where his quick feet and explosive hands will serve him well, but the Cardinals will value his versatility regardless. Top needs: OL, CB, OLB.

21) Green Bay (8-7-1) — Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota, Sr.

B.J. Raji is a free agent, and his price tag could be too high for Packers GM Ted Thompson. Hageman was a standout during Senior Bowl week. Top needs: TE, DB, LB, DL.

22) Philadelphia (10-6) — Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville, Jr.

Outside of receiver, I expect the Eagles to focus primarily on defense during the draft. Pryor is a physical presence who can also cover. Top needs: OLB, S, CB.

23) Kansas City (11-5) — Marqise Lee, WR, USC, Jr.

Andy Reid would love to add a field-stretcher in the passing game. Lee can run any route and has good hands. Alex Smith would do a backflip for this pick. Top needs: WR, DL, ILB.

24) Cincinnati (11-5) — Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma St., Sr.

Leon Hall's second torn Achilles makes this an even more pressing need. After a streaky junior season, Gilbert has played focused and consistent as a senior. He's a spectacular athlete with terrific hand-eye coordination and return skills, making him a threat on defense and as a kick returner. Top needs: CB, OLB, S.

Notre Dame's Stephon Tuitt (7) celebrates a sack on Rutgers's Chas Dodd (19) during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Notre Dame won the game 29-16. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)The Associated Press

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Notre Dame's Stephon Tuitt (7) celebrates a sack on Rutgers's Chas Dodd (19) during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Notre Dame won the game 29-16. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

If a talent like Tuitt falls here, Tom Telesco should do his happy dance. Obviously, the Chargers need help at the corner position, but creating a pass rush is another way to help your secondary. Cam Thomas ranked in the bottom third of defensive tackles, according to ProFootballFocus.com. Tuitt comes from the Irish's three-man front and has experience playing outside and inside. He's certainly big enough to play tackle in the NFL. He is a sneaky good athlete for being more than 300 pounds. Top needs: CB, DL, OL, OLB.

Carr certainly didn't help himself in the Bulldogs loss to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, but you can't deny his prolific senior season: He finished the year with 5,083 passing yards, 50 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. Plus, he performed well enough during Senior Bowl week to stay in the first round. Top needs: QB, RB, OG.

27) New Orleans (11-5) — Dee Ford, OLB/DE, Auburn, Sr.

The Saints pass rush needs a boost. Ford followed up a tremendous late-season surge at Auburn — and a solid peformance in the national title game — with an outstanding week of practice and a monster game in the Senior Bowl. Top needs: OT, OLB, CB.

28) Carolina (12-4) — Allen Robinson, WR, Penn St., Jr.

Grabbing Cam Newton an explosive pass catcher with this pick certainly wouldn't hurt his development, and Steve Smith isn't getting any younger. Robinson is a strong, athletic pass-catcher with size, speed and the instincts that should allow him to contribute as a rookie. Wondering who next season's Keenan Allen is? Here you go. Top needs: WR, CB, S.

29) New England (12-4) — Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech, Jr.

The value here is too much to pass up. Amaro is viewed by many as the top tight end in next year's draft, and Aaron Hernandez is gone forever. Plus, there's no guarantee Rob Gronkowski can stay healthy. Top needs: OL, DL, CB, TE.

30) San Francisco (12-4) — Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida St., So.

Benjamin is a massive wide receiver at 6-5 and more than 230 pounds. He makes spectacular catches look routine. Exhibit A: his game-winning catch in the national championship. Top needs: WR, DL, CB.

31) Denver (13-3) — Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh, Sr.

Donald's impressive week at the Senior Bowl has teams imaging how he'd fare as a pass-rushing specialist in the middle of a 4-3, especially if complemented by larger teammates around him. Top needs: OT, CB, DL.

32) Seattle (13-3) — Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor, Sr.

It's hard to knock a Super Bowl Champion, but their offensive line could have been better. Richardson played both left tackle and left guard in college. His large body, 6-foot-5, 350 pounds, helps him move bodies easily in the run game, but he also excels in pass protection. Top needs: WR, CB, TE, OL.

ROUND TWO

33) Houston — Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia, Sr.

34) Washington — Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford, Sr.

The Redskins need help all over their defense, especially up front. Murphy led Division I-A in sacks playing outside linebacker but is getting looks at defensive end due to the athleticism he packs into a 6-foot-6, 255-pound frame. He had mixed reviews during Senior Bowl practice, which could hurt him just enough to cause him to fall just outside the first round if he doesn't have an improved showing at the combine. Top needs: DL, S, OL.

Jean-Baptiste was a second-team All-Big 12 selection, with four interceptions (returned for a total of 134 yards and a TD), and 11 pass breakups. A former receiver, he has amazing ball skills. His size — 6-foot-3, 220 pounds — helps him overpower other receivers in man coverage. He possesses a skill-set the Chargers haven't had since they drafted Antonio Cromartie. This is the type of corner the Seahawks covet, and it wouldn't surprise me at all for them to target him at the end of the second round.

58) New Orleans — Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio St., Sr.

59) Indianapolis — Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford, Sr.

Indy inebackers rated poorly according to ProFootballFocus in stopping the run. Skov was one of the surest tacklers in college football. He registered 113 tackles (13 for a loss) and 5.5 sacks in 2013. Top needs: OL, WR, LB.